Weekend Beer Events - June 16-19, 2011

All right, folks!  Here are this weekend's beer events you need to know about.  Once again, there are a lot of them, so budget your time wisely, my friends.  If you know of an event I didn't mention here, please let me know so I can add it to the list! 


Thursday, June 16:


Saginaw's Brew at the Zoo
Time: 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Cost: $40 in advance; $45 at the gate
Venue: Children's Zoo at Celebration Square
Address: 1730 S. Washington, Saginaw, MI
Details: Annual fundraiser where attendees will taste samples of Michigan-made beers and wines; enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and music by Marty Viers and the Music Doctors.  For more info, visit the link above.

Short's Beer Dinner at Andiamo
Time:  7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Cost: ?
Venue: Andiamo
Address: 6676 Telegraph Rd., Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48301
Details: Visit the link above to see if Short's has posted more info on their website.

Brew Ha! Ha! featuring Dragonmead
Time: 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Cost:  $40 plus tax and gratuity (includes tasting of 8 beers, hors d'oeuvres, and live music)
Venue:  The Rattlesnake
Address: 300 River Place Dr # 1900, Detroit, MI 48207-5068
Details: "Summer in “The D” continues with our Terrace Tasting Parties!  Next up is Dragonmead Brewery from Warren!  We’ll be tasting 8 of their acclaimed brews, including the ever-popular Final Absolution (available everyday at The Rattlesnake on our Craft Beer List)!!

Our Chefs will be live-grilling up a few tasty treats, all expertly paired with the featured brews!  The rockin’ sounds of The Unusual Suspects will keep the party hot while the river breezes keep you cool!"
"Bring your friends and enjoy an evening at the D's best spot for outdoor dining!  Our pergola-covered riverfront terrace will surprise you with our lush Chef's Garden and sweeping view of the Detroit River and city skylines!  Call 313-567-4400, ext 6226 to make your reservations today!"

Saugatuck Brewing Company's Sixth Anniversary Party
Time: 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Cost: No cover charge
Venue: Saugatuck Brewing Company
Address: 2948 Blue Star Highway, Douglas, MI 49406
Details: "Yes, its been 6 years since Barry Johnson started up the small start-up brewery across Blue Star Hwy. And almost to the day, we've been at our current location for 3 great years! Come join in the shananigans and help us celebrate with the Last Call Band, a complimentary buffet, $3 beer specials and $6 food specials!"

First Annual Fermentation Fest & Beer Bash
Time: 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Cost: $20 wristband gets you all of the craft beer you wish to taste
Venue: Pizzeria Biga
Address: 29110 Franklin Road, Southfield, MI 48034
Details: "Taste 20 Craft Brewed, Limited Release and One Time only beers featured for your enjoyment.  CALL IN ADVANCE TO RESERVE TICKETS (248) 750-2500."  For more info, click the link above.


Friday, June 17:


Free Mead Tasting at B. Nektar Meadery
Time: 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm
Cost: Free
Venue: B. Nektar Meadery
Address:  1505 Jarvis, Suite B, Ferndale, MI 48220
Details: "Mead is one of the oldest forms of fermented beverages.  At it’s most basic, mead is a simple wine fermented from honey, water and yeast.  B. Nektar’s award-winning meads start with good quality raw honey and then improvise from there.
On the first and 3rd Friday of every month, B. Nektar opens its doors to the public.  Taste a wide selection of the meads, talk to our meadmakers about what we do, meet other mead enthusiasts and homebrewers, and see where the magic happens- all for absolutely free.  It’s a great time- all that’s missing is you
Our next tasting is this Friday, June 3rd starting at 5:30 pm.  It is completely free.  We hope to see you there!
http://www.bnektar.com"


Saturday, June 18:

BRU Fest 2011
Time:  7:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Cost: $35 Advance  •  $40 At the door -- includes 10 beer tokens, burgers, wings, and gourmet desserts
Venue: Royal Oak Farmers Market
Address:  316 East 11 Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI
Details: "Start with the hottest burgers in town from Bagger Dave’s, toss in the wildest wings from Buffalo Wild Wings, 8 premium craft beers from Michigan’s foremost micro brewery, Bell’s Brewery, then top it off with hot tunes from DJ Mike Anthony, and it all adds up to one rockin’ party … Bru Fest!  The best part is that all ticket sales go to benefit the Children’s Leukemia Foundation of Michigan."

Founders Fest 2011
Time:  3:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Cost: Advance tickets are only $15 for the general public and $10 for 2011 Mug Club Members. Day-of tickets will be $20 for the general public and $15 for 2011 Mug Club Members.  *Keep in mind, Founders Fest is strictly 21+.
Venue: Founders (This is an outdoor event)
Address:  235 Grandville Avenue SW. Downtown Grand Rapids, MI
Details:  "Our biggest party of the year, celebrating our three greatest loves: the city we live in; our fantastic, critically acclaimed beer; and really awesome music.  We shut down the taproom and move the party outside, closing off the streets surrounding the brewery, with a majority of the Fest’s vast expanse taking place on the beautiful  brick-paved of Grandville Avenue."

For A LOT more info (including the music lineup and info about all of the bands), visit the link above.


Lindsay Lou and the Flatbellies
Time: 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Cost: No cover charge
Venue: Saugatuck Brewing Company
Address: 2948 Blue Star Highway, Douglas, MI 49406
Details:  Oh yeah...great bluegrass pickin', strummin' and vocals. More at www.lindsayloumusic.com

"Lindsay Lou, backed by The Flatbellys, dishes up a style of Americana with a powerful vocal style that recalls Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday." - The Lansing City Pulse

Sunday, June 19:

Father's Day Pig Roast & Cookout at Brewery Vivant
Time:  12:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Cost:  Varies, view the menu at the link above.
Venue:  Brewery Vivant
Address:  925 Cherry Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506